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Ex-Arsenal man on what needs to be done, and avoided, this summer

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour expects Arsene Wenger to spend again in the summer, but has warned that 'balance' and 'spirit' are key for the Gunners.

History dictates that Arsene Wenger is a not a fan of winter transfer windows.

He has resisted the urge to spend big in recent times, with 2015 seeing him hardly break the bank in acquiring Krystian Bielik and Gabriel Paulista.

It is in the summer that the Frenchman tends to be at his busiest, with the purse strings loosened in 2013 and 2014 as big-money deals have been wrapped up for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

World-class talent will be required again in 2015, with the Gunners failing to bridge the gap between top-four hopefuls and Premier League title challengers.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour expects there to be further movement during the off-season, with it vital that Wenger continues put the resources at his disposal to good use.

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“Over the last seven or eight years, with the move to the new stadium, the transfer funds haven’t been there, but they are now. He needs to bring top players into Arsenal and try to close the gap and challenge Manchester City and Chelsea.”

Defensive issues, both at the back and in midfield, will probably need to be addressed again in the summer, while a proven marksman would also be most welcome, given that Arsenal have worked hard to add creativity and ammunition to their ranks.

Parlour agrees that additions are required in key areas, but has also offered a warning to those hoping to see high-profile arrivals at Emirates Stadium.

He added: “You are always looking for out-and-out goalscorers. They are always hard to find. (Olivier) Giroud has done well, he does a really good job.

“The problem is trying to keep everyone happy. With the squad they have, it’s difficult to play everybody. You don’t want too many players; you need to have that right balance where everyone feels wanted. It’s sometimes difficult to get three or four strikers in because when are they going to play? That’s the big question; can they get the right balance?

“Team spirit is so important. If you are going to win the title, everyone has to be pulling the same way. Arsenal have got that, it’s better than it was a few years ago, and they just need to try and close the gap. I’m sure Arsene Wenger will be in the market this summer and bring in more players. Hopefully they will make things better.”

Wenger has never been the type of manager to make snap judgements and bring in those with the potential to be bad eggs.

Given how long he has been at the Arsenal helm, it would be a surprise to see him change his ways now.

For him, the ability and personality have to be right, so Parlour and Gunners supporters should expect that any business will be conducted in the right manner when the window swings open again at the end of the season.

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Chris Burton

Chris is a freelance journalist with a passion for all major sports. He has spent much of his career to date focusing on the wonderful world of football, across all levels. He has also had the pleasure of interviewing a diverse mix of sportsmen and women – including Gareth Bale, Frank Lampard, Xabi Alonso, Marcel Desailly, Roy Hodgson, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny Wilkinson, Nicola Adams and Ed Clancy.